Support
We offer a range of support opportunities for individuals and companies based in Edinburgh. We update what is on offer in line with need. Opportunities include:
Below: Feral by Tortoise in a Nutshell, photo by Amy Downes
Support Surgeries
If you are an independent artist, producer or small company based in Edinburgh and have a question, an issue or an idea you would like to discuss with an informed industry peer, you can book a slot at one of our regular surgeries.
You might be looking for:
advice on budgeting, print production or website design
help creating a business plan
someone to read over a funding application
contacts and strategies for effective networking
support or advice on the development of a project idea
help identifying new creative partners
…or any other performing arts-related advice.
At a surgery, we discuss your needs and match you with someone appropriate from our Pool of Expertise, comprised of several hundred people working across a range of performing arts organisations in Edinburgh who are committed to sharing their time, expertise and resources with our network.
What People Say
“As a 'service' I can think of few more supportive, welcoming and nurturing.”
Independent Artist
“Following a meeting brokered by EPAD we, as a company, now work with a specialist communications support organisation. This decision has been transformational for our organisation.”
Small Arts Company
“EPAD connected me to someone much further down the line than I am, who I'd normally struggle to have access to. Her knowledge, insight and experience proved hugely helpful to my next steps.”
Independent Artist
Lunchtime Meet-ups
We began running regular lunchtime meet-ups during the first Covid-19 lockdown and continued them afterwards. The Zoom meetings became a regular informal get-together for our network to check-in and chat. These sessions were a vital way for people to stay connected with their peers and share the challenges they faced. The meetings are currently suspended and there are no immediate plans to start them again.
EPAD Platform
EPAD Platform ran throughout 2021 as a safe online place for the presentation of creative ideas. It was a paid online opportunity for people to try out ideas or share work with a supportive audience of peers - we’re not currently running it, but you can read more about it here.
What People Say
“Platform is a great opportunity to present work to an audience of peers and represents a massive opportunity for artists in the city.”
Independent Artist
Co-working Days
If you usually work on your own, you can join us at one of our regular co-working days for a day of focused work on your own projects alongside your peers from Edinburgh's performing arts community. We provide desk space to work at, tea and coffee, and soup for lunch.
Previous co-working days have been held at the Festival Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre. A great opportunity to stay warm, meet and chat with other independent artists/producers and feel part of a larger community in the city.
What People Say
“The space and quiet in which to work, with lots of constructive and interesting chat about projects in the breaks. The feeling of being a part of something, rather than apart from everything.”
Independent Artist
Training
We aim to provide training that fills gaps in provision elsewhere. Recent training events have included sessions on:
Being a Self-Producing Artist
Digital marketing
Making Covid-safe theatre
Different types of legal entity
Touring
Wellbeing for independent artists